by Nicole Auerbach, USA TODAY Sports

by Nicole Auerbach, USA TODAY Sports

INDIANAPOLIS - When he transferred to Butler two summers ago, Rotnei Clarke couldn't have predicted he'd be a part of the biggest upset of the 2012-13 season so far.

Yet there he was, on the court as walk-on Alex Barlow hit the game-winning floater to knock off then-No. 1 Indiana in overtime at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in a Dec. 15 game that made it feel like March. There he was, celebrating the victory in a pile of happy Bulldogs.

He couldn't have known what would happen when he chose Butler, but he knew the possibility existed.

"That was one of the reasons I came," he said. "I think it says a lot about our team and about our character to go into overtime against the No.1 team in the country in a venue like this and a game like this and pull it out, gut it out for each other."

Clarke led Arkansas in scoring during the 2010-11 season with 15.2 points a game but left after coach John Pelphrey was fired. after the 2010-11 season, during which Clarke led the team at 15.2 points per game. The Verdigris, Okla., native sat out last season per transfer rules and has had a huge impact in his first two months with Butler. He is averaging 17.7 points a game and hit the winning shot against Marquette on Nov. 19 - a one-handed three-pointer at the buzzer.

I like a lot of Christian rap, honestly. I'm big in my faith, and there's a guy that's out that's called Lecrae. He's one of the guys that I look up to right now that's not an athlete.

Xbox or Playstation?

Playstation. I play a lot of Xbox because my roommate has one, but I like Playstation. My parents bought it for me, and I've gone with it ever since. I feel like you're one way or the other; you're not both.

DVD I can't live without

Has to be Hoosiers. That's cliché to say that, but it's one of my favorite movies and it's definitely big in Indiana.

Rule about the game I'd change

I honestly do not know. Maybe adding a couple of fouls, because I've been in foul trouble the last couple of games. Six fouls would be good.

What I'd do if I didn't play basketball

I'm from the South. I'm an outdoorsy kind of guy. I like to hunt. I like to fish. I like doing things outside, so I'd probably do something outside.

My 'welcome to Division I college basketball' moment

It was probably my first practice, my first live practice. When you go out there as a freshman - a true freshman - and you're playing and have an opportunity to start, it hits you. It hits you hard. Practice is so much more physical. The game is faster. It's just completely different from high school.

My biggest surprise upon beginning my college career

My freshman year was huge for me. I started as a freshman. That was really important to me. We started out really well, but the surprise was we started out 12-1 at Arkansas and beat two top-10 teams in the country. Then we dropped like 14 straight games. The different things in games that matter so much and can change the outcome of a game. It's amazing how many little things can be a part of a win or a loss.

A current college basketball player I admire

I admire Indiana's Cody Zeller and Jordan Hulls. The way they go about playing the game. I feel like they play it the right way. From what I heard on the court, they didn't complain. Guys like that, team-first kind of guys.

What is your favorite part about being at Butler?

Being around these guys and the coaching staff. I really believe it's the best coaching staff in America. Our team chemistry is unbelievable. These guys hang out together all the time. We have a lot of fun.

What was the hardest part for you transferring from Arkansas to Butler?

Coming from the South - Fayetteville is kind of a small town, small college town - coming to a big city in Indianapolis. The period where you can't play for one year and can't travel with the team, that was probably the hardest thing. Transfers should be able to actually travel with the team. You're part of the team.

Was it difficult transferring for your final season after three years with Arkansas in Fayetteville?

It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, to make that decision. That fan base there took me in and supported me for three years. I worked hard and dedicated everything I had. Leaving there going into my senior year was really a tough decision, but I think I made the right one.

I'm not sure if there's a culture shock from Oklahoma, where you grew up, to Arkansas, but was there one when you moved to Indianapolis?

Definitely. Guys were making fun of me the other day because it was kind of cold. I'm originally from Oklahoma, where it's extremely hot and it doesn't get too cold. I was complaining about being too cold, and they were like, "This is nothing." It's completely different up here than from where I'm from.

Video of your falling-down-at-the-buzzer shot against Marquette went viral in November. How crazy was that? or you and this program, even considering the wins that have come since?

It was extremely exciting, first and foremost, because it was at the Maui Invitational. You grow up as a kid - I know I did - watching that tournament, wanting to be in that situation in that atmosphere. To hit a shot like that and be able to celebrate with my teammates was one of the coolest things ever.